Let's Talk About Three (More) Republican Governors: Kasich, Haley, and Martinez [Y-not]

Yesterday when I was reading this post at Hot Air about the tough time some GOP governors are having facing re-election, I spotted this line:

There are some bright spots for GOP gubernatorial hopefuls, too. Governors like Ohio's John Kasich, South Carolina's Nikki Haley, and New Mexico's Susana Martinez are likely to be returned by their state's voters this year.

A few weeks ago we discussed the pros and cons of Walker, Jindal, and Perry as potential POTUS candidates, so how about we discuss three more governors: Kasich, Haley, and Martinez?

First, a quick poll:

OK, with that "sense of the moron horde" poll out of the way, here's a very short primer on each of these three governors. I'll also give you my gut reaction to each, just to get the ball rolling on the discussion. But what would be great is to hear what YOU think about these three potential candidates' records and ideologies.

John Kasich, Ohio

John Richard Kasich (b. May 13, 1952 in McKees Rocks, PA) is the 69th and current Governor of Ohio. A Republican, he was first elected on November 2, 2010 and assumed office on January 10, 2011. In the race, Kasich defeated incumbent Ted Strickland (D) by some 77,000 votes. His win led the 2010 Republican sweep of statewide offices in Ohio.
Before his election to the Buckeye State's top seat, he served in the Ohio State Senate from 1979-1983 and the U.S. House of Representatives from 1983-2000. He made an unsuccessful bid for President in 2000.
Kasich is seeking a second term as governor in 2014. He has also been named as a contender for the Republican nomination for President in 2016. Elected by a strong conservative base, including support from tea party groups, Kasich drew their fury in February 2013 when he announced he would expand Medicaid in the state using federal money, possibly hurting his re-election chances.
An analysis of Republican governors by Nate Silver of the New York Times in April 2013 ranked Kasich as the 23rd most conservative governor in the country.

Kasich has a B.S. in political science from Ohio State. He seems to have slid straight from college into political life, starting out as an assistant to a state senator. As far as I can tell, his only non-government jobs were as a Fox News commentator and as managing director of Lehman Brothers' Columbus, Ohio office.

Kasich is currently pummeling his challenger in the polls.

He has a long record which is difficult to summarize. Frankly, anyone in office that long is going to have deviated from ideological purity and made some poor choices along the way. But at least he has a record to examine.

That said, I'm not sure what his Big Issue is. He seems like a manager-type more than an ideological leader. Can any Buckeyes chime in here?

**I'm going to add this link which CoolCzech gave me, just for more about Kasich:

Since Kasich became governor, the results of his "Jack Kemp style" economics have made a dramatic difference in the Buckeye State. Here are just a few examples:
* Over 170,000 new private sector jobs have been created
* There have been more new businesses created since Kasich took office than at any other time in Ohio history.
* Incomes in the state are now rising twice as fast as they are across the country
* The state's unemployment rate has dropped by 21%.
Kasich, who took a private sector job with Lehmann Bros. after leaving Congress, was part of the business team that took Google public.
As governor, he has offered a shining example, an Economics 101 class if you will, on why the free enterprise system works.

Nikki Haley, South Carolina

Nimrata "Nikki" Randhawa Haley (b. January 20, 1972, in Bamberg, South Carolina) is the 116th and current Governor of South Carolina. A Republican, she was elected on November 2, 2010, defeating Democratic nominee Vincent Sheheen. She was sworn into office on January 12, 2011.
Haley's election made her the first Indian-American woman to become governor of South Carolina and the second Indian-American governor in the United States after Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal.
As governor, Haley's focus has been on creating jobs and improving the state's business climate. She has also worked towards cutting taxes for small businesses, pension reform, Medicaid reform, illegal immigration reform, Voter ID, and created the office of Inspector General.
An analysis of Republican governors by Nate Silver of the New York Times in April 2013 ranked Haley as the 21st most conservative governor in the country.
Haley previously served in the South Carolina House of Representatives, representing District 87, Lexington County, from 2005-2010.
Haley's first term will expire in January 2015 and she is running for re-election in 2014. State Senator Vincent Sheheen, whom Haley defeated in the 2010 general election, is seeking a re-match.

Haley has a B.S. in accounting from Clemson. After graduation she worked
for a waste management company and later for her family's clothing business (where she was CFO). She was active in the Chamber of Commerce for a number of years before entering political life.

My gut reaction to Nikki Haley's resume is more favorable than to Kasich, who had spent a lot of time in the Beltway. When I've seen Haley speak, she's come across as intelligent and attractive. I don't know if the Will Folks "sacred honor" nonsense had any major impact on her political prospects. I doubt it given that she is doing well in the polls for re-election. 'Any South Carolina morons care to tell us about your governor?

Susana Martinez, New Mexico

Susana Martinez, (born July 14, 1959, in El Paso, TX) is the 31st and current Governor of New Mexico. A Republican, Martinez won election on November 2, 2010, defeating former Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish (D) with 53.3 percent of the vote. Martinez is New Mexico's first female governor as well as the nation's first female Hispanic governor. She is seeking re-election in 2014.
An attorney by trade, Martinez previously served as District Attorney for the 3rd Judicial District in Dona Ana County, New Mexico, from 1997 until 2011.
An analysis of Republican governors by Nate Silver of the New York Times in April 2013 ranked Martinez as the 24th most conservative governor in the country.
Martinez was a Democrat until 1995, when she switched to the Republican Party.

Martinez is a lawyer. Her undergraduate degree was from UTEP and her law degree was from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. Her only private sector experience was working as a security guard for her parents' business, which they operated from their home.

I confess (and pre-denounce myself) that I tend to like District Attorneys and prosecutors as candidates. They often strike me as direct talkers and good debaters. That said, I don't know if Martinez possesses those qualities because I'm not sure I've ever heard her speak at great length. I confess that I think that being from New Mexico probably puts her at a disadvantage relative to the other governors given New Mexico's relatively small population and economics (although it does look like NM ranks well in terms of fiscal management, if I'm reading this Mercatus study correctly.) I'm eager to hear what our New Mexican horde members tell us about Gov. Martinez.

She is currently favored for re-election in the polls. You might have heard about her WHITE MALE DEMOCRAT opponent who apparently has some sort of medical degree because he asserted that she "doesn't have a Latino heart." What is this fascination liberal men have with female Republicans' body parts, anyway?

BTW, this is the Nate Silver article that Ballotpedia keeps referencing in which he scores the governors according to how "conservative" they are.

The table below lists the ratings for the nation's 30 Republican governors as calculated by this method; higher ratings reflect more conservative positions.

**FOR THOSE OF YOU HAVING TROUBLE FOLLOWING THE LINK, HERE'S THE CHART.**

The average GOP Governor scores a 43. Chris Christie (RINO DIABLO - New Jersey) scored a 9! Jindal scored a 44, Perry scored a 50, and Walker scored a 57. The most conservative governor per Silver is Idaho's Otter. (Kasich, Haley, and Martinez are all considered more liberal than the average GOP governor, per Silver's scoring.)

To wrap things up, let's one more poll, including all six governors we've discussed thus far. Which three of these six candidates would be your top choices to go against the awful candidate the Democrats will put up in the 2016 Presidential election?

Right now out of those six I'd be leaning Perry, Haley, and either Walker or Jindal. How about you?

Posted by: Open Blogger at 09:01 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Let the games begin!

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:01 AM (zDsvJ)

2 It's been mentioned before. Nikki has a NICE rack and after a pop or six will show them.

What's not to like about that?

Posted by: Nip Sip at September 13, 2014 09:02 AM (0FSuD)

3 It appears the horde is still asleep. Was the ONT that entertaining?

Posted by: Nip Sip at September 13, 2014 09:05 AM (0FSuD)

4 Kasich loves him some sweet, sweet Obamacare subsidies, IIRC.

Posted by: Bob's House of Flannel Shirts and Wallet Chains at September 13, 2014 09:06 AM (yxw0r)

5 Also, looks like Axe doesn't pay trolls on weekends.

So far none have shown up. This is good, but boring.

Posted by: Nip Sip at September 13, 2014 09:06 AM (0FSuD)

6 Good for them. Corbett is toast in PA. The whole state wants to tax the hell out of gas drillers, which he won't do. He raised the state tax on gasoline. He's failed at privatizing state liquor stores. He hasn't done anything to reform property taxes. And the bogus claims that he's cut billions from education has gained enormous traction.

Next year we get another Rendell, only worse.

Posted by: Ed Anger at September 13, 2014 09:07 AM (RcpcZ)

7 Nikki Haley is the most consistent conservative Republican of the bunch. She is much more conservative than the Republican legislature.

Posted by: Vic at September 13, 2014 09:07 AM (T2V/1)

8 Walker '16. Four elections 6 years.

Posted by: redenzo at September 13, 2014 09:07 AM (lzcZ4)

9 4
Kasich loves him some sweet, sweet Obamacare subsidies, IIRC.

True dat. I liked him before he became a whore.

Posted by: Nip Sip at September 13, 2014 09:08 AM (0FSuD)

10 "
It's been mentioned before. Nikki has a NICE rack and after a pop or six will show them."

It's the time tested "Moron"way of candidate selection.

Crude, but effective

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at September 13, 2014 09:08 AM (Savvx)

11 Kasich expanded Medicare, I think, and I also read that he came under fire from gun rights groups for something or other.

I admit, I did not know Haley's background before doing this. I'm impressed and that's unusual for me b/c usually I don't go for business/Chamber of Commerce types. Last year she said she would not run for POTUS in 2016, but that may have been posturing in anticipation of running for re-election.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:08 AM (zDsvJ)

12 Haley. Only one that has ever been in the cold ass world. Actual job experience.

Posted by: never enough caffeine at September 13, 2014 09:10 AM (GfBk2)

13 Pa. voters are so dumb they can't realize if you raise costs for gas drillers, you raise cost for end users.

Posted by: redenzo at September 13, 2014 09:10 AM (lzcZ4)

14 So what I read on Haley is that she's been stalwart on things like E-verify, but with her Chamber of Commerce roots, is there going to be a tendency for her to be soft on immigration?

Of course, they're pretty much all softish on immigration, but I'm just curious.

Martinez talks a good game a lot of the time (from what I've read) and talks about border security, and iirc she keeps opposing drivers licenses for illegals, but I also read some things that sounded Rubio-ish wrt young illegals. So I can't tell if she's being "cute" on immigration.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:12 AM (zDsvJ)

15 I'm a big fan of Walker, but Haley is my dark horse. I hope she gets in.

Posted by: mugiwara at September 13, 2014 09:13 AM (3a584)

16 It's the time tested "Moron"way of candidate selection.

Crude, but effective

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at September 13, 2014 09:08 AM (Savvx)
Ha Ha. So VERY true. Nikki is a hard worker and a hard partyer.
Vic the problem with the SC legislature is home rule. Every fucker thinks he the governor of his district. And he is. Makes for some strange alliances.

Posted by: Nip Sip at September 13, 2014 09:15 AM (0FSuD)

17 >>12
Haley. Only one that has ever been in the cold ass world. Actual job experience.

I noticed that, too. Although, I would count Martinez' law work as a real job, too. At least initially it's based on performance not just politicking and connections. But Kasich, man, he went straight from college to politics.

I confess one of my knocks on Walker - on a gut reaction level - is the same as with Kasich. He was out of Marquette a couple of years and ran for office (unsuccessfully the first time). I have trouble wrapping my mind around a person under 25 who thinks he should be representing people. It's just a gut reaction bias that I'm trying to fight.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:15 AM (zDsvJ)

18 nothing starts your weekend better than a three hour conference call...

g'mornin', 'rons

Posted by: AltonJackson at September 13, 2014 09:16 AM (KCxzN)

19 @17

That is a good point. Maybe Walker saw public office as his best job opportunity, which is not a good thought.

Posted by: Nip Sip at September 13, 2014 09:17 AM (0FSuD)

20 So the Early Morning Thread got abandoned for this???

Bah, humbug!

P.S. -- Kasich, to his credit, shut up about 2ndA issues after he became governor; and we have the 'Castle Doctrine' here in Buckeye-land... makes things way easier for us 'law and order' types.

Posted by: CPT. Charles at September 13, 2014 09:17 AM (lJaja)

21 I live in SC. Nikki is very popular.

Before running against Nikki in 2010, Vincent Shaheen had been running against Mark Sanford for Gov. Quadrennial loser.

Posted by: Grampa Jimbo at September 13, 2014 09:18 AM (V70Uh)

22 Kasich is nothing special. He's the technocrat, compassionate conservative type, without the innate distrust of govt and the media that a conservative should have.

Posted by: Born n bred buckeye at September 13, 2014 09:19 AM (t/d1K)

23 18
nothing starts your weekend better than a three hour conference call...

g'mornin', 'rons

Posted by: AltonJackson at September 13, 2014 09:16 AM (KCxzN)

Or a wife that renegs on morning sex. Stop bitching. Start drinking, it's Saturday.

Posted by: Nip Sip at September 13, 2014 09:19 AM (0FSuD)

24 That Mercatus Center link should be tucked away for future reference as it measures fiscal management. It's not the be all and end all, imho, as it tends to rewards what might be overly cautious state governance. It's not a measure of economic growth or potential, iow.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:19 AM (zDsvJ)

25 Nikki Haley doesn't have an Indian heart.

Posted by: Liawatha at September 13, 2014 09:20 AM (Ua6T/)

26 25
Nikki Haley doesn't have an Indian heart.

Posted by: Liawatha at September 13, 2014 09:20 AM (Ua6T/)

Dot, NOT feather.

Posted by: Nip Sip at September 13, 2014 09:21 AM (0FSuD)

27 NYT link is paywalled, and I didn't find it free via quick search.

How's my guv'ner Fallin rate?

Posted by: mindful webworker of the Oklahoma webworkers at September 13, 2014 09:21 AM (Zsb50)

28 Thanks for the early morning content y-not!
GO DAWGS.
That is all.

Posted by: BunkerinTheBurbs at September 13, 2014 09:21 AM (X3xYu)

29 The press and the left (again, I repeat myself) has shown what they can do to attractive female Republicans. They will do it again.

By election day, the biggest issue will be something Haley's kid's friend did in third grade and affair allegations, and images of her dad in his turban will be more commonplace than the Obama "HOPE" posters.

No. We gotta win this one.

Posted by: Bob's House of Flannel Shirts and Wallet Chains at September 13, 2014 09:21 AM (yxw0r)

30 There's daguerrotype porn on the old thread. Just sayin'.

Posted by: rickl at September 13, 2014 09:21 AM (sdi6R)

31 Kasich is an Ohio Republican. What, George Voinovich, Mike DeWine and Bob Taft weren't enough for you?

Posted by: A pot of message at September 13, 2014 09:22 AM (Ft3+l)

32 That is a good point. Maybe Walker saw public office as his best job opportunity, which is not a good thought.
---

I will risk the wrath of CAC - and honestly I really am trying to set aside this bias I have against young folks entering politics - but I honestly wonder how far Walker could have gone professionally (iirc he was a marketing guy) without a degree. My husband started out in marketing and every potential employer looked at his academic record.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:22 AM (zDsvJ)

33 I really, really like Gov. Haley. She's my governor, btw, and I really couldn't be much happier with her. I think she'd make a great candidate, or even VP. Plus, she got a Glock for Christmas last year and proudly displayed it on her FB page. What's not to love?

Posted by: Lady in Black at September 13, 2014 09:23 AM (tsGZY)

34 Kasich strikes me as a Romney type. In an America where the media complex weren't owned by the Left, he'd make a fine Democrat nominee for president.

Posted by: mugiwara at September 13, 2014 09:23 AM (3a584)

35 After the lawlessness of this administration, why can't we just elect them all - except for Kasich of course.

Posted by: Havedash at September 13, 2014 09:23 AM (G1XMn)

36 @27

Google teh story. It should show up non pay walled. I steal the NY Slime from my mother in law's account, so I don't have the problem.

Stupid Yankee get's it delivered every fucking day in CLT and doesn't use the internet.

Posted by: Nip Sip at September 13, 2014 09:23 AM (0FSuD)

37 If you look at the

n the issues" web site Nikki Haley isa much more conservative. So I don't see where that slug is getting her to be more liberal than the average Republican gov. I throw the BS flag.

Posted by: Vic at September 13, 2014 09:24 AM (T2V/1)

38 I'll embed the Silver rankings chart. Give me a second.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:25 AM (zDsvJ)

39 Kasich - no. He's a pansy-ass RINO.

- Cincinnati

Posted by: Balaam's Jackass at September 13, 2014 09:25 AM (Zq+6p)

40 @32

Well, Walker has grown into the job. He and Perry are my picks. I think a Walker/Perry ticket would kick ass.

With all that Mid West charisma, Walker is a shoo in. ha ha

Perry can be his hit man, Walker can play the sober guy.

Posted by: Nip Sip at September 13, 2014 09:26 AM (0FSuD)

41
29 The press and the left (again, I repeat myself) has shown what they can do to attractive female Republicans. They will do it again.

By election day, the biggest issue will be something Haley's kid's friend did in third grade and affair allegations, and images of her dad in his turban will be more commonplace than the Obama "HOPE" posters.

No. We gotta win this one.

Posted by: Bob's House of Flannel Shirts and Wallet Chains at September 13, 2014 09:21 AM (yxw0r)

But no one was allowed to use Obama's middle name...

Posted by: Havedash at September 13, 2014 09:27 AM (G1XMn)

42 Walker is pro-amnesty so he is off my list.

Posted by: Vic at September 13, 2014 09:28 AM (T2V/1)

43 OK, the "rankings" chart is up.

I agree with you, Vic, I would take them with a huge grain of salt. But I used Ballotpedia for their biosketches and it kept referencing them.

Frankly, if the Media wants ot claim Haley is a liberal/moderate Republican, that's fine by me. It only helps her in the election.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:29 AM (zDsvJ)

44 >>Or a wife that renegs on morning sex. Stop bitching. Start drinking, it's Saturday.

Brush your teeth, take a shower, and try again!

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:30 AM (zDsvJ)

45 Scary news this morning up in my neck of the woods. Late last night at the state police barracks in Blooming Grove, two police were shot, one fatally. Shooter still on the loose. It was apparently an ambush.

Posted by: Sticky Wicket at September 13, 2014 09:31 AM (0IhFx)

46 We cannot let the media stop us from nominating a woman if she is the best candidate.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:31 AM (zDsvJ)

47 Governor Fallin scored a 39, so slightly more "liberal" than Silver's average.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:31 AM (zDsvJ)

48 But no one was allowed to use Obama's middle name...

Posted by: Havedash at September 13, 2014 09:27 AM (G1XMn)
************
Yup. We don't make the rules, the media do. But somehow, they are the rules.
The media is so adept at what they do that by November 2016, the LIVs will be convinced that they can't vote for Haley because she's a woman, but need to vote for Clinton because she's a woman.

Posted by: Bob's House of Flannel Shirts and Wallet Chains at September 13, 2014 09:32 AM (yxw0r)

49 Posted by: Bob's Houseof Flannel Shirtsand WalletChains at September 13,2014 09:21 AM(yxw0r)

And the DOPe have shown that they will not only allow such destruction, they'll pile on.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette, assault Hobbit at September 13, 2014 09:33 AM (GDulk)

50 >>Well, Walker has grown into the job.

Yes, that's important.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:33 AM (zDsvJ)

51 In this age, I am not voting only for a candidate for president, but also for a CiC.
Honorable military service is paramount. We might need a Cpt. Harry willing to drop the big one.
After that, we'll need someone with a demonstrated understsnding of Constitutional government and enumerated powers. Litmus question here: "What is your opinion of Filburn, 317 U.S. 111 (1942)?"

Posted by: hNREx at 0827h CDT, 13.ix.14 at September 13, 2014 09:33 AM (hNREx)

52 I have trouble wrapping my mind around a person
under 25 who thinks he should be representing people. It's just a gut
reaction bias that I'm trying to fight. Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:15 AM

What irritates me more is that the very young politician gets "knowledge" from two sources: his/her university years and from the small, closed world of other, established political hacks. See: Kennedy, John, Ted and Robert.

In other words, like the current crop of self-entitled fools in public office, experience in what most of us consider "reality" is sorely lacking. There's a perception that they, being in government, have the right to use government to control the rest of us. It's easy: just pass another law.

That leaves out the influence of lobbyists, PACs, etc.

Short version: if you haven't done something else and displayed an aptitude for said thing, stay the hell out of politics.

Posted by: MrScribbler at September 13, 2014 09:34 AM (fi6Zh)

53 After reading up on these six candidates, my order is Perry, Haley, with the other two a fair distance behind those two.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:35 AM (zDsvJ)

54 46
We cannot let the media stop us from nominating a woman if she is the best candidate.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:31 AM (zDsvJ)
**********
In a less-flawed world, amen.

Sadly, we live on a blighted star.

Posted by: Bob's House of Flannel Shirts and Wallet Chains at September 13, 2014 09:35 AM (yxw0r)

55 Oh, and if we are going to play the media game, Walker simply must get his degree completed. He'll be smacked around seven ways to Sunday without it.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:36 AM (zDsvJ)

56 44
>>Or a wife that renegs on morning sex. Stop bitching. Start drinking, it's Saturday.

Brush your teeth, take a shower, and try again!

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:30 AM (zDsvJ)

You make joke. I already showered, brushed teeth and pilled up. I now have a head ache and a sad dick. Time to drink.
Old is ugly.

Posted by: Nip Sip at September 13, 2014 09:37 AM (0FSuD)

57 Posted by: Y-not at September13,2014 09:36 AM(zDsvJ)

Won't help. They'll say it was just so he can run and so doesn't count.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette, assault Hobbit at September 13, 2014 09:38 AM (GDulk)

58 "I now have a head ache and a sad dick."

Just pet it on the head,and rub behind its ears.
Soon, it will be happy again.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at September 13, 2014 09:40 AM (Savvx)

59 Any reason I keep getting a server error when I try to post?

Posted by: Washington Nearsider at September 13, 2014 09:40 AM (Rz4ly)

60 @55

Nay. He can play the "middle class" card! Just a working mid western boy!

It would look stupid for the governor to be back in class trying to finish a degree. It's a phoney requirement.

Posted by: Nip Sip at September 13, 2014 09:40 AM (0FSuD)

61
"Civilization as we know it today would be in jeopardy if the Republicans win the Senate."
"Fear is a motivator, and we are not fear-mongers."
Nancy Pelosi, over a span of 30 seconds.

Posted by: Washington Nearsider at September 13, 2014 09:41 AM (Rz4ly)

62 Just pet it on the head,and rub behind its ears.
Soon, it will be happy again.
--

LOL!

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:41 AM (zDsvJ)

63 Perry Walker Haley

sort of like that game f**k, marry, kill

just kidding

Posted by: the IRS at September 13, 2014 09:41 AM (zOTsN)

64 @58

HA HA! Good advice my friend, good advice.

Posted by: Nip Sip at September 13, 2014 09:41 AM (0FSuD)

65 Walker is awesome. I give a lot of points for shifting a blue state more red and tackling unions in a blue state. That takes major cojones.

Another way of looking at it: it's easy to support reddish stuff in a red state, like Perry, because the voters want it. Its easy to to keep the state at the place where it currently is as a Red gov than to shift it further right.

It's harder to go against the grain and risk your job repeatedly to fundamentally shift the playing field.

Walker gets huge points for that.

Haley took on corrupt southern repubs good ol' boys crony capitalism. Huge points for taking on her own party, we need that in Washington.

Perry is pretty solid. Not sure if he knows how to shift the needle enough in Wash, but he talks a good game. Nuff said.

Haley, Perry, Walker are all solid. I like Jindal but he tripped on common core and I don't think he has the charisma to win.

Katsock sucks, supports Obamacare, he is a classic establishment repub. not sure why anyone wants him besides democrats. Would be a disaster if he won, but no worries he would lose creating an even bigger disaster.

Martinez is a great Veep. I think she is tough, successful in a blue/purple state, classic DA mindset. Awesome but haven't seen enough to think she would hold out against the establishment forces in Washington. Might - just unproven. I will take proven the others.

Posted by: PrincetonAl at September 13, 2014 09:42 AM (0v6Aj)

66 As far as the media goes, we need a candidate who will flat out smack the media's bias ass, and be able to do it with charisma. People will flock to that.

Posted by: Havedash at September 13, 2014 09:42 AM (G1XMn)

67 Nearsider!

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette, assault Hobbit at September 13, 2014 09:43 AM (GDulk)

68 Polli :-)

Posted by: Washington Nearsider at September 13, 2014 09:43 AM (Rz4ly)

69 Perry does know how to troll the media, all the while smiling. He is better prepared this time

Posted by: the IRS at September 13, 2014 09:43 AM (zOTsN)

70 @65

Posted by: PrincetonAl at September 13, 2014 09:42 AM (0v6Aj)

Good take. I agree.

Posted by: Nip Sip at September 13, 2014 09:43 AM (0FSuD)

71 I love Rick Perry. I think he would be a great Prznit.

Posted by: ALH at September 13, 2014 09:45 AM (XONMk)

72 It would look stupid for the governor to be back in class trying to finish a degree. It's a phoney requirement.
--

I disagree. I think most people, not most conservatives, still look for credentials. Look at Obama. Look at Perry is a dummy vs Romney is a smarty pants.

Also, there are many many people in this economy who are going back to school for certificates or degrees, so if Walker did it he'd be playing to that group. He could go on-line. Hell, he could turn it into a positive about education reform. He could show that he values education, which would undercut the almost certain line of attack that Republicans are mouth-breather dummies.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:45 AM (zDsvJ)

73 >> she "doesn't have a Latino heart."

Shouldn't it be "Latina"?

I've been wondering. If he can't get the word right, it's even funnier. Well, to me, at least.

Posted by: Mama AJ at September 13, 2014 09:45 AM (SUKHu)

74 "or Jindal?"

Oh, God.

Posted by: Chris Matthews at September 13, 2014 09:46 AM (cQ4Va)

75 Saturday politics before FOOTBALL?!?!

IT IS AGIN' ME RELIGION!

But, I'll offer the followink thotz...

Kasich: Accepted Medicaid expansion. Worse than GWB. Correct?

Haley: Sounds decent with the "real world" experience. Need to know more.

Martinez: Seems kinda "meh" to me right now, but female Hispanic would be hard for Shrillary to run against.

Walker: He's already been through the shredder and survived. Would DEFINITELY energize the base.

Perry: I like him. A lot. Will he come around on immigration? He must to succeed.

Jindal: I also like him mucho. Are there any skeletons in his closet? (Haha. I misspelled that as "skeltons" to begin with. Visualizing Clem Kadiddlehopper and Freddie the Freeloader for a sec...)

Posted by: Tex Lovera at September 13, 2014 09:47 AM (wtvvX)

76 speaking of women, here's one who wants to push the limits of "batshit crazy":

Pelosi appeared on HBO's "Real Time" Friday, when host Bill Maher asked her why he should "care" what happens in the election because of Washington's perpetual, never-ending gridlock.

"What do I care if they lose the Senate?" Maher asked.

"It would be very important for the Democrats to retain control of the Senate. Civilization as we know it today would be in jeopardy if Republicans win the Senate," Pelosi said, smiling.

Posted by: mallfly at September 13, 2014 09:47 AM (zjcTL)

77 Jindal started out good and then drifted left into RINOdum,

Posted by: Vic at September 13, 2014 09:47 AM (T2V/1)

78 Morning morons. I would be hoppy (as Sven says) with either Walker or Perry. Most of the others not so much

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian, fighting the ban at September 13, 2014 09:48 AM (jTQ9M)

79 Shouldn't it be "Latina"?

I've been wondering. If he can't get the word right, it's even funnier. Well, to me, at least.
--

I noticed that too! I went and double-checked and he said Latino instead of Latina. So maybe he's like Andi Sullivan and is also a gynecologist in addition to being a cardiologist!

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:48 AM (zDsvJ)

80 "It would be very important for the Democrats to
retain control of the Senate. Civilization as we know it today would be
in jeopardy if Republicans win the Senate," Pelosi said, smiling.

Posted by: mallfly at September 13, 2014 09:47 AM (zjcTL)

And in the next breath, she said: "Fear is a motivator, and we are not fear-mongers."

Posted by: Washington Nearsider at September 13, 2014 09:48 AM (Rz4ly)

81 66
As far as the media goes, we need a candidate who will flat out smack
the media's bias ass, and be able to do it with charisma. People will
flock to that.

Posted by: Havedash at September 13, 2014 09:42 AM (G1XMn)

*******
69
Perry does know how to troll the media, all the while smiling. He is better prepared this time

Posted by: the IRS at September 13, 2014 09:43 AM (zOTsN)

*****
Agreeance. This is why I lean to Perry. I just pray his handlers are drilling him constantly and mercilessly on impromptu speaking and quickness.

Posted by: Bob's House of Flannel Shirts and Wallet Chains at September 13, 2014 09:49 AM (yxw0r)

82 Walker: He's already been through the shredder and survived. Would DEFINITELY energize the base.

Posted by: Tex Lovera at September 13, 2014 09:47 AM (wtvvX)

Hard to energize the base when you are pro-amnesty.

Posted by: Vic at September 13, 2014 09:49 AM (T2V/1)

83 @72

I see your points. I think it's a distraction, although Thom Tillis, NC Senate candidate, did finish a degree at UMD on line after he was making big bucks at IBM.

I don't see how he plays going back to school without look rather silly and setting himself up for abuse.

Shit, someone award him a degree. I am betting that could happen. Make him a Phd!

Posted by: Nip Sip at September 13, 2014 09:49 AM (0FSuD)

84 If there were a lot of dirt on Walker the media and unions would have trotted it out by now and used it by now. They will attack his lack of degree and his lack of foreign policy experience. With Haley the press will revive the affair rumors. Perry is the most charismatic, but he will give you a gaffe from time to time

Posted by: the IRS at September 13, 2014 09:49 AM (zOTsN)

85 off old old sock

Posted by: ThunderB at September 13, 2014 09:50 AM (zOTsN)

86 Solid real-world school-of-hard-knocks business experience in the real world.

Political sagacity and principled will, strength tempered by charm.

Wit and clout to knock down regulatory bureaucracies en masse, and roll back and flatten/simplify/eliminate federal taxes, liberating businesses, luring manufacturers, boosting employment. Encouraging energy and defense industries, especially.

Privatize trains, mail, education, medicine, banks, and on and on, the whole socialist takeover that's been going on for years.

Leadership to rally the nation to new patriotic heights in support of all these actions until the opposition drowns in a chorus of Star Spangled Banner.

Rebuild a fighting military, and be ready to wage war to victory on multiple fronts; just in case. Fortify our borders like our lives depended on it, and enforce immigration laws strictly.

Put every communist and co-conspirator in government and media from the last twenty years on trial for tyranny before competent and patriotic judges. (Twenty years? Make it back to pre-Jane Fonda in NVN.)

Face the reality of winning the war on mass terror organizations that threaten us, whether in the Middle East, Mexico, or Chicago, at whatever cost.

Is that really too much to ask in a candidate?

Posted by: mindful webworker at September 13, 2014 09:50 AM (Zsb50)

87 >>Saturday politics before FOOTBALL?!?!

Speaking of which, I'm watching College Game Day and Corso was wearing the most awesomesauce coat -- bison. Very fluffy. They're in Fargo.

Dave in Texas does the football thread so I don't want to mess with that.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:50 AM (zDsvJ)

88 Of course, they're pretty much all softish on immigration, but I'm just curious.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:12 AM (zDsvJ)
My recollection is that Kasich was good on immigration when he was in Congress and a Fox talking head. I don't know what his position is now though.Walker is horrible on immigration, probably the worst of the lot. He wants to massively increase the number of "guest workers" (he's said repeatedly that "anyone who wants to come here to work should be able to"), which will depress wages and create a new cohort of illegals when the "guests" inevitably overstay their visas.

Posted by: Jon (not the troll) at September 13, 2014 09:50 AM (HA+/6)

89 PrincetonAl at September 13, 2014 09:42 AM (0v6Aj)

Agreed.

Posted by: JackStraw at September 13, 2014 09:51 AM (g1DWB)

90 However speaking of the IRS, who poses the most threat to them? Expect any republican candidate to be torched by them

Posted by: ThunderB at September 13, 2014 09:51 AM (zOTsN)

91 Vic-

I was not aware that Walker was pro-amnesty. That does knock him down a peg or two.

Posted by: Tex Lovera at September 13, 2014 09:51 AM (wtvvX)

92
We need someone sane with common sense. Someone from the Midwest who stills eats Velvetta cheese, loves the Packers, and thinks bowling is a hot night out. And has balls the size of Paul Bunyon.

Walker.

Posted by: Levin at September 13, 2014 09:51 AM (cQ4Va)

93 Hard to energize the base when you are pro-amnesty.

Posted by: Vic at September 13, 2014 09:49 AM (T2V/1)

I think that shit would disappear. The latest invasion has taken the bloom off amnesty.
Walker is a LONG way from the Mexican border. He probably is simply playing GOPe.

Posted by: Nip Sip at September 13, 2014 09:51 AM (0FSuD)

94 re 61: took me ten minutes to realize I couldn't just copy and paste from yahoo, so I ended up having to type it out longhand. didn't realize you'd already posted.
Good -- better chance of being seen that way.

Posted by: mallfly at September 13, 2014 09:51 AM (zjcTL)

95 Hello, no accounts...

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at September 13, 2014 09:51 AM (ePHsj)

96 How cool is it that they are in Fargo!!!! I walked that same street so many times, I went to that theater. Herbst Department Store used to be there. Really fun. Love the Marge Gunderson sign

Posted by: ThunderB at September 13, 2014 09:52 AM (zOTsN)

97 Haley or Martinez needs to run, if for no other reason than it will look really bad if Hillary! runs and their isn't a single female candidate on the GOP stage.

Posted by: Jon (not the troll) at September 13, 2014 09:52 AM (HA+/6)

98 Regarding the chart: Anyone with a score higher than 10 is an unelectable right-winger. A score above 20 indicates an extremist.

I'm very concerned about the future of my Republican party.

Posted by: Susan Olivia Cuthbertson-Klein at September 13, 2014 09:53 AM (Ks4nX)

99 Seems that any candidate who can run on the "I am not endorsed by the IRS" could have at least some potential.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at September 13, 2014 09:53 AM (Savvx)

100 I like Walker for the throne of skulls, but yeah, he's going to be openly- and I mean this will be specifically stated on tv, and in print, by actual elected members of the Democratic Party and the press- called stupid and intellectually unable to lead for not getting his degree. If we're going to nominate him we have to be ready for that.

I like Jindal's stances and I think he'd do well in a debate. He's no Reagan on the stump, but who is?

Posted by: QuinDuke at September 13, 2014 09:53 AM (rkE0V)

101 Civilization as we know it today would be in jeopardy if Republicans win the Senate," Pelosi said, smiling.

Posted by: mallfly at September 13, 2014 09:47 AM (zjcTL)

In a sane world, that damned vapid woman should be a laughing stock. It just goes to prove the depths the media will sink to in order to prop someone up. It also goes to show what democrats will do vs. what they say when this woman is voted to be their leader.

Posted by: Havedash at September 13, 2014 09:53 AM (G1XMn)

102 "or Jindal?" Oh, God. Posted by: Chris Matthews at September 13, 2014 09:46 AM

Well, 'tis the season, and all that.

With the Big Election two years away, everyone loves to pick early "frontrunners" and "likely choices." It's the same as making a Super Bowl pick two years ahead: you just don't know who is going to be on the teams, who will be injured and who will retire. Hell, you can't even be sure that "favorite" team won't be sold and moved to, say, Hong Kong or Dubai.

All of the current Big Cheeses are likely to be up and down like wedding-night Male Reproductive Units over the next two years (well, maybe not Haley).

Given the current fascination (in some familiar quarters) with Poppin' Fresh and the Tepid Air bunch, I'm just waiting for the big push for Rockin' Rick Santorum. If not him, I expect a surge for Mr Excitement, the ever-popular TPaw....

Posted by: MrScribbler at September 13, 2014 09:54 AM (fi6Zh)

103 Term limits are the only way to keep 'em honest. That being said, if Rick ran for Pres I'd die from happiness. Then I'd pray like crazy 'cause the MSM would rip him to shreds on a daily basis.

Posted by: katya the designated driver at September 13, 2014 09:54 AM (WuBo6)

104 Ah, weekend thread. Forgot.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at September 13, 2014 09:54 AM (ePHsj)

105 >>Shit, someone award him a degree. I am betting that could happen. Make him a Phd!

heh.

I only bring it up insofar if we are going to consider the potl line of attacks from the media, I think his academics will be one (just as Perry's were and Palin's were). It may seem silly, but I think it works for a certain segment of voters.

And I think he only needs a couple of classes. So I just gotta believe Marquette's credits could transfer to either a state school or maybe a for-profit and he could scoop up the rest of his credits online.

I am near an open enrollment public university right now. Every graduation we have older people, even grandparents, graduating. The reaction from the crowd is invariably positive. I think it's a story that many regular people can relate to and it knocks off a couple of lines of attacks against Walker.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:55 AM (zDsvJ)

106 I was not aware that Walker was pro-amnesty. That does knock him down a peg or two.

Posted by: Tex Lovera at September 13, 2014 09:51 AM (wtvvX)

Check out " on the issues".

http://www.ontheissues.org/Scott_Walker.htm

Posted by: Vic at September 13, 2014 09:55 AM (T2V/1)

107 54 46 the media is going to try to destroy every candidate we put out there. Man, woman, Caucasian, minority, Ivy League, or high school graduate. Doesn't matter, they will find something and make it sound sinister.

If you were an angel helping out in a battered women's shelter, they would make it sound like you were a pervert looking to take advantage of women.

If you don't have the courage to run the gauntlet, then you are a wuss.

Rather than run from the media, you have to look them in the eye and take them on.

If they call you extreme, remind them that you are extremely generous, extremely polite, extremely graceful under pressure and extremely concerned about the country. Extreme is good.

If they call you a high schooler, remind them that a high schooler could make better decisions than a Harvard law grad. You relate to the challenges of a high cost of university.

Take their hate and turn it on them judo style.

Anybody else is a coward, got no fight, a troll, or just doesn't get it.

Posted by: PrincetonAl at September 13, 2014 09:56 AM (0v6Aj)

108 This Ohioan will take Perry for pres, Walker for VP and Kasich for Secretary of State

Posted by: Rick554 at September 13, 2014 09:56 AM (bLpDD)

109 amnesty and open border is a redline to me. no way.

Posted by: ThunderB at September 13, 2014 09:56 AM (zOTsN)

110 off to verizon store, bbl

Posted by: Nip Sip at September 13, 2014 09:56 AM (0FSuD)

111 I voted Walker because he has proven he will do the right thing by the people though surrounded by howling opposition.

I love Haley, will vote for her later, Martinez I saw speak @GOP conv2012 - she is great and genuine, Perry I admire and respect but another white male cowboy from the great state is gonna be a hard fight, Jindal will wear 'em down with his rapid-fire delivery of the facts but I don't really have a sense of his leadership. Kasich (I agree) is too much a manager, not enough a leader, is too long in DC to do what is necessary to clean house.

Posted by: ga gardener at September 13, 2014 09:56 AM (Ec7lZ)

112 PrincetonAl lovin your posts!

Posted by: ThunderB at September 13, 2014 09:57 AM (zOTsN)

113 91 Vic-

I was not aware that Walker was pro-amnesty. That does knock him down a peg or two.
Posted by: Tex Lovera at September 13, 2014 09

He's my governor. His biggest fault is that he is similar to GWB and doesn't come out swinging at his opponents. I believe that if he ran he would have an illegal immigration pLAN that most GOP and rational independents would accept. He won twice in 2 years thanks to the base and independents.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian, fighting the ban at September 13, 2014 09:57 AM (jTQ9M)

114 College Game Day is one of my favorite programs. So awesome.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:57 AM (zDsvJ)

115 >>I like Walker for the throne of skulls, but yeah, he's going to be openly- and I mean this will be specifically stated on tv, and in print, by actual elected members of the Democratic Party and the press- called stupid and intellectually unable to lead for not getting his degree. If we're going to nominate him we have to be ready for that.

While I don't disagree that he will be hit on this I don't think it is a game ender. No matter who is running they will all be slimed for real or imaginary heresies. Its just the way it is with the msm these days, Dems get a tongue bathed and Repubs get hammered.

I want to see a bunch of them in there duking it out and lets see who rises to the top..

Posted by: JackStraw at September 13, 2014 09:58 AM (g1DWB)

116 "I was not aware that Walker was pro-amnesty."

He said that either earlier this year or late last year. "Pro reform" or some shit.

Limp. Dick. Meffer.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at September 13, 2014 09:58 AM (ePHsj)

117 >>
off to verizon store, bbl

For your sake, I hope that there's a cute gal behind the counter.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 09:59 AM (zDsvJ)

118 Hello, MH...

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at September 13, 2014 09:59 AM (ePHsj)

119 The media is so adept at what they do that by November 2016, the LIVs will be convinced that they can't vote for Haley because she's a woman, but need to vote for Clinton because she's a woman.
Posted by: Bob's House of Flannel Shirts and Wallet Chains at September 13, 2014 09:32 AM (yxw0r)

Nikki Haley: Too prissy for South Carolina, too prissy for the United States.

Hillary2016: Time to butch up the White House!

Posted by: jwpaine at September 13, 2014 09:59 AM (68O4K)

120 Walker is a LONG way from the Mexican border. He probably is simply playing GOPe. Posted by: Nip Sip at September 13, 2014 09:51 AM

You want to bet the fate of the country on that?

The American public -- at least 52% of those who voted -- bet that Choom Boy was a) all for Hope and Change and b) was, as McCain told them, not to be feared.

How did that work out?

Posted by: MrScribbler at September 13, 2014 10:00 AM (fi6Zh)

121 About Perry going back to school, I think degrees only matter to Dems. Bush and Romney were both as credentialed as their opponents, but we're never given credit for it-nor were they given credit for their previous work experiences. Who ever our candidate is they will be forced to blow their own horn, fight back with extreme gusto, and be unwilling to allow any attacks to go unchallenged. My choices are Perry, Haley, Walker and Martinez- not in any order. They all seem like they would be strong candidates. I do, however, think if the Dems nominate a woman, we should too. A woman can critictze another woman without risking being a bully or sexist..

Posted by: Chillin the most at September 13, 2014 10:00 AM (gxtMZ)

122 116 Limp. Dick. Meffer.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at September 13, 2014 09:58 AM (ePHsj)

He supports "pathway to citizenship" which is dog-whistle for amnesty.

Posted by: Vic at September 13, 2014 10:01 AM (T2V/1)

123 I have a bias in favor of those with prior military experience. I just do

Posted by: ThunderB at September 13, 2014 10:01 AM (zOTsN)

124 >>I have a bias in favor of those with prior military experience. I just do

Me, too. I think Perry's the only one out of this batch, isn't he?

I also have a bias toward LEO, which for me includes prosecutors.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 10:02 AM (zDsvJ)

125 >>> she "doesn't have a Latino heart."

Found it! It was in the pantry behind the homemade pickles.

Posted by: Susana Martinez at September 13, 2014 10:02 AM (Ua6T/)

126 Do we have any other military-experienced types in the hopper?

Allen West? But is he really a serious contender?

Anyone else?

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 10:03 AM (zDsvJ)

127 John Kasich is a shmuck who occassionally pays lip service to conservative issues.

He reminds me of Voinvich-- another shmuck. I worked at the capitol in the mid-90's and House Republicans were delighted seeing him move on to DC.

Posted by: Buckeye Abroad at September 13, 2014 10:03 AM (ZZCuS)

128 Oh good.
We're past the 100 post mark.

O/T
Truesbury is worth a short glimpse today

http://tinyurl.com/nhp6faq

And so is TSG

http://tinyurl.com/meof7og

Thank you

We now return you to your regularly scheduled political thread.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at September 13, 2014 10:03 AM (Savvx)

129 Nikki Hayley's husband is a Colonel in the SC NG and has served a year in the 'Stan.

Posted by: Vic at September 13, 2014 10:04 AM (T2V/1)

130 I don't agree we should nominate a woman if they do. Old hags who Hillary appeals to are going to vote for her no matter what. Young hags too. We will not take any votes by nominating a woman, and for people that are not persuaded by vagina politics but were swayed by "historic first" type of votes, I think the country is done with that.

Posted by: ThunderB at September 13, 2014 10:04 AM (zOTsN)

131 Perry was in the USAF

Posted by: ThunderB at September 13, 2014 10:05 AM (zOTsN)

132 I like Martinez personally (El Pasoan pride, I guess) but I'm a little unsure about how enthusiastically she's handled the whole Medicaid expansion thing.

She's a pretty decent speaker, and I do think that the Hispanic female thing helps us against Shrillery. She's also the devoted guardian for her profoundly disabled sister, Lety, which I think is a good look into her character (but then that also influenced her decision to reeeeaaaallly expand Medicaid in her state).

Posted by: Jenny Hates Her Phone at September 13, 2014 10:05 AM (L4T7Y)

133 One of the last things I did before I moved from New Mexico back to my little home town in Texas was vote for Susana Martinez. I hope she kicks Bruce King's little boy Gary's ass in the coming election. He's a typical NM corrupt, lying, shitbird democrat in the mold of his father, Jeff Bingaman and the Udall.

I can't abide a Udall.

Posted by: huerfano at September 13, 2014 10:06 AM (bAGA/)

134 I didn't know that about Haley's hubby. I could get pretty excited about President Perry and Vice President Haley

Posted by: ThunderB at September 13, 2014 10:07 AM (zOTsN)

135 Kasich is a mixed bag, but Ohio is a mixed bag. The metro areas are heavily Democratic (except for Cincy which is somewhat mixed), while the rest of the state is Republican. Anyone wanting to win in the state has to be somewhat careful. It doesn't help that refugee agencies have been shipping Somalis to Columbus.

Pluses for Kasich are that he has worked on cutting taxes and balancing the budget. Strickland ran through the state funds like a drunken frat boy in Vegas. One thing that hurt Romney in Ohio was that Kasich had gotten things into good enough shape that the economy wasn't as big of factor in Ohio. He has also managed to reform the way the state pays universities for students. It's not longer bodies but now graduating students is part of the equation.

On the negative side, he did go for Medicaid expansion and does give that compassionate conservatism vibe.

As president I would seem him to the right of Bush in that he isn't going to break the bank. He's a better speaker than Bush. He would probably be closer to Bush on the use of government. So, somewhat better than Bush.

Personally, I don't think he is going to run. His wife isn't real happy that is governor and really wants him out of politics.

Posted by: Better Feared than Loved at September 13, 2014 10:08 AM (crkWb)

136 I have met Gov. Martinez on many occasions. She is a fine person.

Posted by: Gustavo Fring at September 13, 2014 10:09 AM (Ks4nX)

137 129 Nikki Hayley's husband is a Colonel in the SC NG and has served a year in the 'Stan.
Posted by: Vic at September 13, 2014 10:04 AM (T2V/1)

I like your Gov. I would put her in my top 3. Not sure about the NM Gov.
Kasich just makes me want to stay home. He's not a fighter he's Washington lizard at heart

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian, fighting the ban at September 13, 2014 10:09 AM (Z1cmo)

138 Walker is the one who has been through the crucible already. Don't like his immigration stand right now, but I think it will 'evolve' in the next year. Wait for the disease vectors to really hit WI and things will change. My area in No Ill is hit hard, but when winter comes, somehow the crowds disappear back to warmer climes. Son moved to WI this year because no jobs in IL.

Perry has to overcome his excellent job with the Texas economy because states on the losing end of business moves are going to go all-out against him. Jindal is one of my favorites because he is personable and intelligent, but his state is small and poor so he is not quite 'national' yet. Haley seems right now to be really in training, not quite ready yet because no major challenges as of now. Don't know much about Martinez and actually having a Latino name could work just as well as 'Hussein' in the larger issues.

Good job Princeton Al, very nice analysis.

Posted by: Mustbequantum at September 13, 2014 10:09 AM (MIKMs)

139 Perry will disappoint.

Just saying.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at September 13, 2014 10:09 AM (ePHsj)

140 107
Rather than run from the media, you have to look them in the eye and take them on.

Posted by: PrincetonAl at September 13, 2014 09:56 AM (0v6Aj)

This. Any candidate worth a damn needs to publicly call out the media as The Enemy, and keep pouring it on. Newt Gingrich had loads of other problems, but he was good at that.

Refuse to give them interviews, and refuse to appear on their shows. Do not participate in debates in which media people are moderators.

They are The Enemy, and that needs to be continuously pounded into the brains of the LIVs.

Posted by: rickl at September 13, 2014 10:09 AM (sdi6R)

141 Perry did that heartless on the border bit a while ago, and then recently hired that Steve Schmidt hack that has spent the last 6 years on msnbc bashing Palin. You know the guy that helped McCain lose.
I would go with Walker for a lot of reasons I have seen posted already.

Posted by: sp4x2 at September 13, 2014 10:09 AM (e52PM)

142 they all will disappoint. just saying

Posted by: ThunderB at September 13, 2014 10:10 AM (zOTsN)

143 >>Nikki Hayley's husband is a Colonel in the SC NG and has served a year in the 'Stan.

Nice.

So I have a hard time deciding if the Medicaid thing is disqualifying. IIRC Heritage or CATO or one of those groups - a while ago when this became an issue - was hedging about whether or not states should do it. Governors have a primary responsibility for the economic health of their states. If they need federal dollars to flow in the short term, they may have to just do that to do right by their states, even if on principled grounds they oppose it.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 10:10 AM (zDsvJ)

144 Jindal is one of my favorites because he is personable and
intelligent, but his state is small and poor so he is not quite
'national' yet.
--

I assume Jindal would be a strong candidate on energy issues. I think he did pretty well during that oil spill thing.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 10:12 AM (zDsvJ)

145 I am not concerned by who Perry hires to work for him... so long as it's none of Mitt's IT (ORCA) team.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 10:13 AM (zDsvJ)

146 Jindal I like very much but I think he suffers from low charisma. We like to discount that, but its important in national elections

Posted by: ThunderB at September 13, 2014 10:14 AM (zOTsN)

147 "
they all will disappoint. just saying"

Ed Zachary

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at September 13, 2014 10:14 AM (ePHsj)

148 put Jindal in charge of the Department of Energy

Posted by: ThunderB at September 13, 2014 10:15 AM (zOTsN)

149 >>Posted by: Better Feared than Loved at September 13, 2014 10:08 AM (crkWb)

Thanks for that.

CoolCzech is hot on Kasich. But he's a RINO-y RINO from RINOville! (I keed, I keed!)

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 10:15 AM (zDsvJ)

150 Testing something

Posted by: Jenny Hates Her Phone at September 13, 2014 10:15 AM (L4T7Y)

151 Okay, why is my nic showing up as a hyperlink? I didn't put anything there?

Posted by: Jenny Hates Her Phone at September 13, 2014 10:16 AM (L4T7Y)

152 So, overall, do these six (potential) candidates seem stronger than what we had to choose from last time?

They do to me.

Is there reason to be optimistic?

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 10:16 AM (zDsvJ)

153 Hmm... I have no idea, Jenny.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 10:17 AM (zDsvJ)

154 so I had to look that up

according to urban dictionary, Ed Zachary disease is when your face looks like an ass

mmkay

Posted by: ThunderB at September 13, 2014 10:18 AM (zOTsN)

155 "Is there reason to be optimistic?"

No.

HILLARY!!!!! the media will say and 52% of the voting public will be like "Must vote for Hillary."

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at September 13, 2014 10:20 AM (ePHsj)

156 So, overall, do these six (potential) candidates seem stronger than what we had to choose from last time? They do to me. Is there reason to be optimistic? Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 10:16 AM

My answer is "no."

No worse, certainly, but definitely not much better, if at all.

When you have to make excuses for your choice -- he's a good guy, BUT... -- something just ain't right.

And no, I'm not relying on the MFM view to make that statement. I simply Do. Not. Want anyone who doesn't hit the core issues the way I prefer, including immigration.

Posted by: MrScribbler at September 13, 2014 10:22 AM (fi6Zh)

157 I added a link on Kasich that CoolCzech gave me.

Bear in mind, though, that it's from his former employer, Fox News. Also, I'm not sure working for Lehman Brothers is a positive.

I agree with the person who called him a technocrat. I'm not sure that's enough to turn this country around.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 10:23 AM (zDsvJ)

158 We are en-pokened.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at September 13, 2014 10:25 AM (ePHsj)

159 Allen West? But is he really a serious contender?

Anyone else?

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 10:03 AM (zDsvJ)

West was high on my list until he went native on the Travon thing.

Posted by: Havedash at September 13, 2014 10:28 AM (G1XMn)

160 Testing something else "o "O

Posted by: Ed Anger at September 13, 2014 10:29 AM (RcpcZ)

161 Kasich is an excellent public speaker, but his acceptance of the Medicaid expansion for political calculations and low profile on hot topics makes me think he's not much of an ideological leader, and his management of Ohio is competent enough, but just. He's from a Rust Belt state, but everything he can do, Walker can do better.

The jury is still out on Walker, because his comments on immigration make me think he is too chummy with Ryan, Priebus and the Chamber of Commerce. He's tough on unions, but Christie talks tougher.

Of course, Christie is dead to most conservatives. With Bush in the running, big money is flocking to the safe bet. The last winning GOP tickets for the past 30 years had a Bush on it.

Rand Paul is most likely somebody's veep. He'll do well in the primaries with his father's organization and McConnell behind him. Hate Turtle all you want, he's connected.

If Nikki Haley is the female Jindal, Martinez is the female Perry. They're both former Dems and great retail politicians. I think Martinez might do better in debates as a former prosecutor. Her state has a 50% latino voter registration and is overwhelmingly Dem, so don't hate her for not being sufficiently conservative. She's done a better job running NM than Romney did in MA. She cannot be a veep. You'll never hear the end of the Palin references, but as a presidential contender, she is more qualified than Hillary!

Posted by: Tattoo De Plane at September 13, 2014 10:29 AM (wJqMx)

162 Chillin the most: "A woman can critictze another woman without risking being a bully or sexist."

"She doesn't have a woman's heart."

:/

Posted by: mindful webworker at September 13, 2014 10:30 AM (Zsb50)

163 Kasich is a RINO's RINO. Like the idiot currently governing PA, he made a limp wristed attempt at passing some rather milk toast conservative reform proposals early in his 1st term. When the marxist media turned on him (gee, couldn't have anticipated that), he assumed the fetal position, got on board with Obama Care and the rest is history. Can you imagine what this lousy POS would do if he somehow made it to the White House? Better yet, tell me how such a low life would be an improvement over what we have currently?

Posted by: WVinMN at September 13, 2014 10:30 AM (Dge+E)

164 This is driving me nuts -- by the time I get something entered, 20 comments have already been posted, even on a slow Saturday morning.

Just thought I would put this out for consideration. Illinois governor race ads for Rauner are heavily emphasizing 'life-long Democrats' voting for him, including his wife. Quinn's ads are traditional hate the rich guy.

Don't think the race will make a bit of difference with the Madigan Mafia (Speaker of House and daughter enforcer Attorney General) in charge.

Posted by: Mustbequantum at September 13, 2014 10:31 AM (MIKMs)

165 I added a link on Kasich that CoolCzech gave me. Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 10:23 AM

My question is what Nate Sliver is trying to prove, and how he has the cred to "rate" conservatives.

Looking at his chart, seems to me we'd all be better off is we pushed for the Idaho Governor's candidacy.

"President Butch Otter" has a nice ring to it, no?

Beats the ever-lovin' bejeebers out of "President Hussein...."

Posted by: MrScribbler at September 13, 2014 10:31 AM (fi6Zh)

166 My question is what Nate Sliver is trying to prove, and how he has the cred to "rate" conservatives.
--

Yeah.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 10:32 AM (zDsvJ)

167 >>Jindal I like very much but I think he suffers from low charisma.

I don't agree. I think he has been stiff on occasion, esp. that one time in front of everyone, but that doesn't mean he's always like that.

A couple quick examples of him being not-stiff:

http://youtu.be/tljfzD8xuR8

http://youtu.be/rJusfyN-7ZY

Posted by: Mama AJ at September 13, 2014 10:32 AM (SUKHu)

168 Do we have any morons currently living in New Mexico?

Posted by: Jenny Hates Her Phone at September 13, 2014 10:33 AM (L4T7Y)

169 If Nikki Haley is the female Jindal, Martinez is the female Perry.
They're both former Dems and great retail politicians. I think Martinez
might do better in debates as a former prosecutor. Her state has a 50%
latino voter registration and is overwhelmingly Dem, so don't hate her
for not being sufficiently conservative. She's done a better job running
NM than Romney did in MA. She cannot be a veep. You'll never hear the
end of the Palin references, but as a presidential contender, she is
more qualified than Hillary!
---

Seems like a fair analysis.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 10:34 AM (zDsvJ)

170 I don't agree. I think he has been stiff on occasion, esp. that one time
in front of everyone, but that doesn't mean he's always like that.
--

Yeah, I think that awful SOTU rebuttal is behind him. That struck me as a function of him being over-managed.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 10:35 AM (zDsvJ)

171 If Kasich got in on a Red Wave election in Ohio, it may be that a lot of his accomplishments are a function of flipping their legislature.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 10:36 AM (zDsvJ)

172 Y-not

"Governors have a primary responsibility for the economic health of their states."

So your OK with taking the federal money up front and THEN bankrupting the state when said state has to assume more and more financial responsibility for such shenanigans? But WTF, your boy would be long gone by then, so why should he care? You now what? Reading these posts cements my belief that this country is done. I mean, when so many people at a so called conservative website are willing to support people who willingly rolled over for the largest wealth transfer in US history, I'm out of answers.

Posted by: WVinMN at September 13, 2014 10:38 AM (Dge+E)

173 To my knowledge Nikki Haley has never been a Democrat.

Posted by: Vic at September 13, 2014 10:42 AM (T2V/1)

174 "Reading these posts cements my belief that this country is done."

Bless your soul, has anyone thanked you yet for your concern?

Posted by: mindful webworker at September 13, 2014 10:43 AM (Zsb50)

175 The Libune just published a poll on IL Governor showing Quinn with a 48 to 37 lead on Rauner, a complete turnaround. If this is valid, then prepare for the final exodus from Illinois this winter, when the glaciers start forming over the Edens Expressway.

Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at September 13, 2014 10:45 AM (R5/ES)

176 "Governors have a primary responsibility for the economic health of their states."

So your OK with taking the federal money up front and THEN
bankrupting the state when said state has to assume more and more
financial responsibility for such shenanigans?

--

If you read my comment, you'll see that it was my recollection some conservative groups were on the fence about this as a strategy, merely on a pragmatic level. It appears that now both CATO and Heritage are firmly against it, but I don't think they started out that way.

And, yes, a governor is elected to look out for his state's interests first. That's his/her job. That is why I don't find things like "pork" projects to states disqualifying for a governor, although I would expect him/her to work against such things as POTUS.

Their job is to work for their state's interests within the national climate set by POTUS and Congress, not to hurt their own state over some principled stand.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 10:45 AM (zDsvJ)

177 >>She's done a better job running NM than Romney did in MA.

New Mexico is 50th in job growth. That would be dead last if you don't count the mythical 7 states.

That is going to be a big issue in 2016, particularly for a governor.

Posted by: JackStraw at September 13, 2014 10:46 AM (g1DWB)

178 New Mexico has a blue legislature, both houses. And, frankly, it's a
backwater. Really, what is there in NM except tourism, nuclear research,
and UFOs?

But in terms of fiscal management, which I think is more of a governor's responsibility, New Mexico scores well by Mercatus.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 10:50 AM (zDsvJ)

179 In KS, I think Brownback will get back into the lead and win narrowly on election day. Davis has run some idiotic ads and comes across as a pussywimp in an ag state -- I know a large percentage of Millennials and their mommies are comfortable with that but KS hasn't undergone a full demographic shift yet.

Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at September 13, 2014 10:50 AM (R5/ES)

180 ***psst****perry knows how to poach business. He used to do it from states. He will know how to do it from countries. Think tax reform, tort reform. Oh yeah. Lawyers HATE him. He has all the right enemies

Posted by: ThunderB at September 13, 2014 10:51 AM (zOTsN)

181 Perry would have my vote if he arranged to have that bitch DA disappeared and her body desecrated. I want a GOP candidate who liquidates his enemies (who happen to be my enemies). With that, Christie, Walker, and Perry are at the top of the list.

Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at September 13, 2014 10:53 AM (R5/ES)

182 In fact now that I think of it, the IRS will go after Perry hammer and tong. He is an existential threat

Posted by: ThunderB at September 13, 2014 10:53 AM (zOTsN)

183 " Really, what is there in NM except tourism, nuclear research,

and UFOs?"

Beautiful mountains, great skiing, elk, oil, Carlsbad Caverns,etc.

NM is a great state.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at September 13, 2014 10:54 AM (ePHsj)

184 In fact, the indictment for defunding the drunk DA is payback for tort reform. I'm convinced it it. He fucked with their money

Posted by: ThunderB at September 13, 2014 10:56 AM (zOTsN)

185 With that, Christie, Walker, and Perry are at the top of the list.

Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at September 13, 2014 10:53 AM (R5/ES)

Christieis a Democrat with an R after his name.

Posted by: Vic at September 13, 2014 10:58 AM (T2V/1)

186 >>I want a GOP candidate who liquidates his enemies (who happen to be my enemies). With that, Christie

I'm worried that conservatives are sometimes his enemies.

Posted by: Mama AJ at September 13, 2014 10:59 AM (SUKHu)

187 Christieis a Democrat with an R after his name.
Posted by: Vic at September 13, 2014 10:58 AM (T2V/1)

- big anti-gun
- pro Obamacare
- I'll never forgive what he did after Sandy to let Obama look Presidential touring the state.

Posted by: MikeH at September 13, 2014 11:01 AM (4OZqu)

188 Beautiful mountains, great skiing, elk, oil, Carlsbad Caverns,etc.

NM is a great state.

--

Yeah, I know. I love visiting New Mexico. We've looked for work there a few times w/out success.

My comment really was only with respect to "job growth" and economic prospects stuff.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 11:01 AM (zDsvJ)

189 Martinez. If the Dems want to stake the future of the Republic on identity politics, let's bring it. Let's watch them attack a Wise Latino Woman.

Posted by: Trimegistus at September 13, 2014 11:02 AM (rrNqT)

190 189 Martinez. If the Dems want to stake the future of the Republic on identity politics, let's bring it. Let's watch them attack a Wise Latino Woman.
Posted by: Trimegistus at September 13, 2014 11:02 AM (rrNqT)

Easy, she's a white Latino, not down with "La Raza"

Posted by: MFM at September 13, 2014 11:03 AM (4OZqu)

191 All of them are RINO's. Some more then others.

Posted by: Thin Veneer Of Civility at September 13, 2014 11:04 AM (XzRw1)

192 >>My comment really was only with respect to "job growth" and economic prospects stuff.

Doesn't matter, thats not how the game is played. A candidate has to make the case based on the place they come from and some get a natural boost in public opinion, some just the opposite.

Perry has the natural benefit of coming from Texas that is an excellent climate for job growth. He didn't create it but he hasn't screwed it up either. Martinez comes from a much worse climate and even if she hasn't done anything to crate that climate thats the burden she is saddled with in our low information world.

Most voters don't do state by state analysis down to that level, they will hear Texas number one in jobs and NM last.

Posted by: JackStraw at September 13, 2014 11:08 AM (g1DWB)

193 Kasich is a RINO and is acting stupid regarding the Common Core issue. He is in deep with Chamber of Commerce people, who view students as "products." - and poor educational products. (see Dayton Chamber of Commerce quote). He knows the common core issue won't do him in because his opponent supports it too. There will be many conservatives not voting for him because he appears to support common core and we are trying to repeal it.

Posted by: Jenny at September 13, 2014 11:08 AM (TEYqu)

194 Ricardo Kill: "Beautiful mountains, great skiing, elk, oil, Carlsbad Caverns,etc. NM is a great state."

All that and more is great… noting that none of the above activities necessarily involve actually dealing with… average New Mexicans.

Having lived there, it's a nice place to visit.

Milady Webworker makes the best Santa Fe style chili verde this side of Pecos!

Posted by: mindful webworker at September 13, 2014 11:11 AM (Zsb50)

195 LatinA! Wise Latina.

Jindal and that one speech!!

Y'all are pushing my buttons, which so rarely happens.

Quick, sometime say "homeschoolers" and "socialization" and I'll jump out the window.

It's a one story house, sure, but the grass is kind of damp and might stain my pants...

Posted by: Mama AJ at September 13, 2014 11:12 AM (SUKHu)

196 Perry was in my top 3 before I found out he hired Steve Schmidt. I have vowed to not support any Republican candidate who hires either him or Nichole Wallace. For a reminder Schmidt was a big part of McCain's 2008 day-today campaign operations, then after the campaign he trashed Palin to anyone who would listen.

I don't care for Palin (for a host of reasons I won't get into here), but Steve Schmidt's attacks on her, especially publicly, were completely out of line.

Posted by: Memories at September 13, 2014 11:16 AM (8Ii5y)

197 It is not in a State's interest to take Federal money.

Period.

If the State takes Federal money it becomes a client of the Federal Government and is no longer a Soverign State.

Federal money is poison.

Posted by: eman at September 13, 2014 11:18 AM (MQEz6)

198 It's funny, when we've traveled there we've run into more former
engineers and scientists who seem to have dropped out and reinvented
themselves. People seemed nice, even factoring in the tourism economy.

Such a beautiful state.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 11:18 AM (zDsvJ)

199 My mom lives outside Albuquerque (holy moly, I spelled it right on the first try) now, but I still haven't been there.

Posted by: Mama AJ at September 13, 2014 11:21 AM (SUKHu)

200 Have to say, I'm surprised about Kasich's good economic record. Thought he was nothing more than a gladhander. Love Martinez and Haley, although both need more experience, or the media will make them Palin II.

We need someone with the guts to, like you say, annihilate the opposition, whatever privileged identity group the Dem candidate comes from. Who would do that? Romney chickened out, will all the rest?

BTW here is my proposed GOP amnesty proposal: work permits for those already here and working who have no criminal record, and we admit ONLY those applying legally for the path to citizenship. Let in the ones waiting in line legally! Who could object to that?

Posted by: PJ at September 13, 2014 11:23 AM (cHuNI)

201 163 193 I'm on board with the Kasich analysis. Double that on Pa, where we had a republican legislature and a chance to do something great.

But Corbett just wilted. I can't stand these wussy super RINOs. Person has to have a core of principles somewhere. And a plan to do something. Rollback some regulations, privatize state run wine and liquor stores, lower the cost of doing business, create greater freedom, shrink the size of state budget, move state unions into giving more for benefits, limit auto deduction of union dues - do something.

I don't expect everything to get passed all at once. Mitch Daniels didn't do everything he wanted to in 8 years with high support in Indiana. But he did a lot.

So doggone it, move the window to the right. The Dems never fail to move it to the left. We need better than just holding the line.

We gotta move it in the face of resistance, strong resistance.

I hope we nominate someone who will move the line. The louder the media squawks, the harder they try to destroy someone, the more you know they fear them.

Posted by: PrincetonAl at September 13, 2014 11:24 AM (0v6Aj)

202 My mom lives outside Albuquerque (holy moly, I spelled it right on the first try) now, but I still haven't been there.

---

Santa Fe is very nice, especially if you're artsy. We loved Taos in the Fall.

Funny thing is that the whole state seems to smell of corn tortillas! :-)

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 11:24 AM (zDsvJ)

203 Please only comment on Chris Christie in the Dem Candidate Thread (Its on another site)

I like Walker but the MSM and the Unions would be all over him.

We need someone with energy, a dynamic speaker, and a message. Someone that is willing to attack the Dem candidate as hard as Romney attacked the other Republicans during the debates.

Hopefully Haley can be that person, plus being female she could go after Hillary or Warren without as much blowback as a male candidate

Posted by: Jim at September 13, 2014 11:31 AM (vNtLj)

204 I'm surprised Jindal is out polling Haley here.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 11:32 AM (zDsvJ)

205 180 ***psst****perry knows how to poach business. He used to do it from states. He will know how to do it from countries. Think tax reform, tort reform. Oh yeah. Lawyers HATE him. He has all the right enemies
Posted by: ThunderB at September 13, 2014 10:51 AM (zOTsN)

Done, and done. Perry has already gotten some foreign businesses to move operations to Texas.

Boy howdy you're right about the trial lawyers. They are the ones who've been funding Battleground Texas, the DNC attempt to turn Texas blue. They even fund the fake conservative organizations that endorse primary candidates, because Dems can't get any traction in the statewide general elections.

Posted by: stace at September 13, 2014 11:37 AM (9PXzx)

206 Hopefully Haley can be that person, plus being female she could go after Hillary or Warren without as much blowback as a male candidate
Posted by: Jim at September 13, 2014 11:31 AM (vNtLj)

They will say she's not a real woman, and not a real Indian-American, but at least some LIVs aren't stupid enough to fall for that idiocy, and as you say will will cut her more slack when running against a female Dem.

Posted by: stace at September 13, 2014 11:40 AM (9PXzx)

207 Nood thread w/ content.

Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2014 11:45 AM (zDsvJ)

208 Perry also decided to expand Medicaid in Texas recently ala ObamaCare. Just sayin'.

Posted by: Texas voter who hates ObamaCare at September 13, 2014 11:54 AM (x8Wor)

209 203 "I like Walker but the MSM and the Unions would be all over him."

But they will totally give other Republicans a pass, no worries. Got it.

They will find something to smear everyone with. Beria, KGB chief under Stalin: "Give me the man, and I will tell you the crime."

Stop looking for the perfect candidate. The only whom the media will find nothing wrong with ... will be a RINO on whom they have a ton of dirt. And once we nominate, then all the skeletons will come out. Before then, it will be all loves and kisses.

Don't let the MSM define who we nominate. We decide if they are awesome - including awesome at working hostile media in a way that engages LIVs - and let's nominate that person.

FYI, this is another win for Walker.

http://hotair.com/archives/2014/09/13/video-wisconsin-voter-id-law-reinstated-by-federal-court/

More of that please, Repub governors.

BTW, the concerns about Walker's charisma and profile are legit, and I'm not sold 100% on him. Let them rise to the top during the primary process.

But someone else on this thread said it best, he has been through the crucible. Everyone on this list will look like dog food vomit after the MSM is done with them. Perry's got a mug shot, Martinez was heard cursing on a privately taped conversation about getting her foes or something. And I think Haley sacrifices rabbits on an altar every new moon while chanting 'Deport the poor'.*

We can't have a rabbit-sacrificing, poor-hating nominee, so let's pick someone other than Haley.

* Pro-tip: that last one is a joke, I kinda made that up.

Posted by: alcrowther9@myway.com at September 13, 2014 11:57 AM (0v6Aj)

210 Unfortunately in today's world, Walker would get crucified by the F'n MSM/progladytes/dhimocrats. It would be interesting though, in a Chinese sort of way.

Bush was the first instance of the hunting of a president by the elites on a global scale. Obama has gotten a taste of it and his fluffers have had to work hard at covering up all his mistakes.

Posted by: Fewenuff at September 13, 2014 12:02 PM (zPNX5)

211 +1
"I like Walker but the MSM and the Unions would be all over him."

But they will totally give other Republicans a pass, no worries. Got it.

They will find something to smear everyone with. Beria, KGB chief
under Stalin: "Give me the man, and I will tell you the crime."

Stop looking for the perfect candidate. The only whom the media will
find nothing wrong with ... will be a RINO on whom they have a ton of
dirt. And once we nominate, then all the skeletons will come out. Before
then, it will be all loves and kisses.

Don't let the MSM define who we nominate. We decide if they are
awesome - including awesome at working hostile media in a way that
engages LIVs - and let's nominate that person.

+1

Walker would be the best of the Governors.
Rand Paul the best of the Senators.

Please..... not Rinse Repeat Romney.

Posted by: matthewjohn at September 13, 2014 12:14 PM (r4W5l)

212 Since multiple thousands of illegals are here and Are going to vote;
Feeelings count.
Martinez. Minority, and should get many Hispanic votes, woman, and all the Feeel goood about electing the First Woman President voters would give her an advantage.

Posted by: Kafiroon at September 13, 2014 12:16 PM (oOXKj)

213 I don't have any problems with Kasich as governor. He has been quietly working to get Ohio out of the big pothole where the Democrats on all levels of government had left the state at the beginning of his term. I am not sure if he could make the jump to President, but I would back him just to thumb my nose at the NE portion of the state. (You know the ones who vote Democrat although they've gotten NOTHING for it for over 30 years now.)

Jindal, Perry, and Haley are all good gubernatorial candidates. Jindal has the best resume, Haley is Jindal with a skirt would cheese off the War on Wimmins crowd, and Perry is properly Jacksonian would make the libtards melt down like Chernobyl.

Posted by: exdem13 at September 13, 2014 01:23 PM (lJaja)

214 I liked Kasich up until he forced the Medicaid expansion--even over the objections of his own Congress. Just based on that he deserves enmity. Screw him.

Posted by: Andy in Colorado at September 13, 2014 01:23 PM (iTwmT)

215 "Miss me yet?" - Mitt Romney

Posted by: exdem13 at September 13, 2014 01:24 PM (lJaja)

216 208 Perry also decided to expand Medicaid in Texas recently ala ObamaCare. Just sayin'.

Wait, what? This can't be right. I can't find this anywhere and I don't think this is true.

Posted by: Andy in Colorado at September 13, 2014 01:26 PM (iTwmT)

217 New Mexico is 50th in job growth. That would be dead last if you don't count the mythical 7 states.

That is going to be a big issue in 2016, particularly for a governor.
Posted by: JackStraw at September 13, 2014 10:46 AM (g1DWB)

MA was 47th in job creation and first in debt, $10,504 in per capita bond debt. Some have argued that governors don't create jobs, but Perry could attract businesses from other states, while Romney drove businesses away with Romneycare.

Martinez will probably have to defend her record, but Romney never had to. Conservatives were too busy piling on Perry and running for Mitt's veep.

Posted by: Tattoo De Plane at September 13, 2014 01:58 PM (4Jk9e)

218 Good points, Tattoo.

Posted by: Y-not on the phone at September 13, 2014 02:17 PM (zDsvJ)

219 >>MA was 47th in job creation and first in debt, $10,504 in per capita bond debt. Some have argued that governors don't create jobs, but Perry could attract businesses from other states, while Romney drove businesses away with Romneycare.

It was actually 50th and falling when he took over and changed the trend. There's a hell of a big difference between inheriting a state that is losing jobs and one that has always been a magnet for jobs.

And you're flat wrong about Romneycare which was supported overwhelmingly by business, The Heritage Fooundation (who wrote most of it) and conservatives across the state. It was one of the reasons he was asked to run, to develop a plan to combat the single payer juggernaut that was being rammed down our throats by liberals.

Romney also cut state spending, not the rate of growth the actual amount of money spent, and closed or combined agencies.

So no, not good points at all.

Posted by: JackStraw at September 13, 2014 02:25 PM (g1DWB)

220 I'll take competent center-right manager any day over an ideologue. I've seen enough incompetent leadership
over the last six years.

Posted by: packsoldier at September 13, 2014 02:33 PM (8T8H7)

221 Niki Haley does come with some baggage, but nothing that can't be over come. Mostly it is a male chauvinist kind of issues, she's been a victim of witch hunting in ethics "violations" largely because (1) She's a woman and (2) She's a foreign woman. She has made some mistakes in particular with the hacking of the Department of Revenue which she took her time investigating before letting go public and the continuing issues with Department of Children's Services - as in the recent murder of five kids by their father who wasn't a fit parent, but DCS has to follow certain guidelines imposed by the Legislature so a lot of DCS issues are not her fault. She will be blamed for them however.

I don't think she's Presidential material despite her intelligence and charisma. She clearly a "governor", she's done well as a "governor" and that's probably where she will stay if she's smart. Maybe a cabinet appointment for a Republican President, but that is also unlikely.

I like Haley, think she's been an excellent Governor and I hope she will continue in that role.

Posted by: Teafran at September 13, 2014 02:35 PM (6awKZ)

222 the thing I find most appealing about the list is, w/ the exception of jindalno ivy leaguers!!sorry bobby but we have had enough "elites" leading our country lately to know the answers we need aren't found on ivy league campuses.

Posted by: chas at September 13, 2014 03:27 PM (id3bZ)

223 208 Perry also decided to expand Medicaid in Texas recently ala ObamaCare. Just sayin'.
Posted by: Texas voter who hates ObamaCare at September 13, 2014 11:54 AM (x8Wor) no, he hasn't.

Posted by: chas at September 13, 2014 03:33 PM (id3bZ)

224 "2
It's been mentioned before. Nikki has a NICE rack and after a pop or six will show them.

What's not to like about that?

Posted by: Nip Sip at September 13, 2014 09:02 AM (0FSuD)"
Only about 800 millipalins, though.

Posted by: PersonFromPorlock at September 13, 2014 04:27 PM (Mjn+V)

225 219

The only state that saw a larger exodus of its labor force during Romney's tenure was LA, and that was because of Katrina. Between 2002-2004, a quarter of a million people left MA. The nation as a whole added 8 million people to the labor force at that time.

MA's total job growth was just0.9%, well behind high-wage, high-skill level economies like CA (4.7), NY (2.7), and NC (7.6). The national average was 5%.

Romney was not asked by anyone to run. He has a horrible record of losing races throughout his lengthy political career. He wanted to become president. Nobody spends the amount of time and money he has out of reticence, despite his many Shermanesque comments. He pushed Romneycare, because he thought he would run against Hillary!

Heritage's original idea was about spreading risk focused on catastrophic costs. It's goal was to entice the uninsured with tax reform, not penalizing the uninsured.

Advances in risk assessment tools improved the stability of voluntary insurance eventually, and years of research into non mandatory employer coverage made Heritage revise their opinion on mandates to begin with. They filed an amicus brief with the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to settle the matter for good that they had nothing to do with Romneycare or Obamacare.

Posted by: Tattoo De Plane at September 13, 2014 04:55 PM (4Jk9e)

226 2002-2006, Romney's first term. That was a typo, sorry.

Posted by: Tattoo De Plane at September 13, 2014 05:00 PM (4Jk9e)

227 All I know is I want a governor as the nominee. We will need someone to manage the mess left by Barry. In no order I like Jindal, Perry, and Kaisch. Christie is a bag of wind. Walker does not have a college degree. That will not fly. Romney is ok, but is not a first choice.
I know some of the right wingers will scream about the last two nominees being too moderate. Then come up with a candidate, who will not drive off the moderates. That candidate will have to win the primaries. If your candidate cannot win the pimary, do not complain.

Posted by: Arkansas Yankee at September 13, 2014 05:31 PM (gtixq)

228 Thx for your contribs, everyone. Next week I may cover some of the "young guns".

Posted by: Y-not on the phone at September 13, 2014 06:10 PM (Wuzgq)

229 Can I just say one thing? Obama has worn me to a nub, and I will now, literally, vote for a flaming dog turd if they have an R next to the name.

Posted by: Liberty weeps at September 13, 2014 07:05 PM (sta+V)

230 I'd say Nikki Haley for prez, Susan Martinez for vice pres, thenwatch the dems burst into flames....

Posted by: Liberty weeps at September 13, 2014 07:09 PM (sta+V)

231 No K-suck.
"Today, the Ohio Citizens PAC learned that the conservative website MediaTrackers.org was "Defunded" effective immediately and Chief Writer and Editor Jason Hart has moved on to another organization. Sources close to the situation have suggested that large ORP donors, beleived to be in the Cinncinnati area, were pressured by Ohio Governor John Kasich to drop their support of the website in retaliation for its critcism of the Governors performance. Mediatracker.org has been consistent in pointing out the Governor's increase spending, the cost of the Governors medicaid expansion push, his lack of transparency in the Jobs Ohio program and his efforts to increase taxes on the Oil and Gas Industry."

Posted by: Jeffrey Quick at September 14, 2014 09:54 PM (WqCP/)

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